Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled shrimp marinated in mezcal and citrus served in warm tortillas topped with a crunchy cilantro-lime slaw for a smoky and fresh taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, Mezzaro mezcal, Fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 400 g raw shrimp, 40 ml Mezzaro mezcal, 30 ml fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss to coat and marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, make the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp fresh lime zest, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque with slight char marks.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet or grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing shrimp evenly among tortillas and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezzaro mezcal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus Mezcal Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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